The Week That Was - September 15th

The preseason wrapped up with Fort McMurray finishing with a 1-5 record. The team headed four hours southwest to the town of Slave Lake to battle the Grande Prairie Storm. Head Coach Sam Klassen made it very clear that he was not happy with the team's performance over the first four games of the preseason, and expected measured improvement in the team's final tune up. Defence and goaltending were turning into major concerns for the Oil Barons. By the end of the preseason, the MOB conceded over five goals a game, a stat that does not bode well for a team's success.

 

When looking solely at the two games in Slave Lake, there were several positives and concerns to take away. 

    -On the plus side was the play of the youngsters. Noah Kelly continues to impress with his tenacity and work ethic. Leading the team in points through the preseason, it would be a shock to not see him on the opening day roster. It was also the first look of Jaggar John in action for his hometown team. You can see the skill that John oozes. A deadly shot and the ability to read the play. Saskatoon did task him with developing his game and getting bigger to handle the rigors of hockey at the major junior level. Jaggar is a player that can excite fans, but can he create space when other teams target him with tight checking. 

    -Some veterans were also starting to find their game. Reis Nyland was like a bulldog for the Barons over the weekend, not giving the Storm a chance to breathe. His efforts were rewarded with a promotion to the top line on Saturday. His efforts may not show on the score sheet, but his hard work was prevalent on the ice. Cody Nordstrom also had a terrific weekend. The Nordstrom train left the station a couple times with some massive collisions, but he was also wise on when to deliver the big hit and when to set up defensively. He could be a player trusted in major situations, like the end of Saturday's game holding onto a one goal lead.

    -Is there a goaltending situation in Fort McMurray. Logic would say perhaps. Logan Cunningham has not inspired confidence in the net for the MOB. With a team that is used to having some of the best goaltending in the AJHL, the play of Cunningham needs to turn around quickly as an 0-3 record, 5.00 GAA and .837 save percentage will not be accepted. Andrik Lygas had a solid Oil Barons debut in the win. He did give up a couple of weak goals, but made some big saves when the team needed it most. There's a lot of questions on whether the Barons will bring another goalie into the fold. However, it's looking more and more like Sergio Davidson will stick with the WHL's Portland Winterhawks. Oliver Bryks was reassigned by the Vancouver Giants, however, as a 16-year-old there are questions if he is ready for the jump to junior hockey.

    -The defence continues to be a source of problems for the Barons. Goals against can be viewed solely on the goalie, but it is a team stat. A handful of times, the coaching staff noted they were giving up goals because of several mental mistakes happening at the same time. If there is light at the end of the tunnel, Saturday's game showed considerable improvement. We started to see the whole team play with pride in their own end. In the third period, more shots were being blocked, no space was being given to the opposing forwards and the goalies were able to see shots coming through. There are signs of this turning around and you know that Sam Klassen will continue to work on this conundrum through practice this week.

There is plenty of excitement now that the regular season begins on Friday! Fort McMurray continues to be road warriors as they get set to take on the Lloydminster Bobcats in the brand new Cenovus Energy Hub. The Border City boys are a group that I'm struggling to gauge. Gone are the likes of Jamie Weller, Caden Steinke and both their goalies from last year. Cooper Moore signed with the Kamloops Blazers while Ben Costantino left for the BCHL. They do bring back local hero Kade Fendelet, while Alessio Nardelli and Gus El-Tahhan try to spark the offence. They also add two players formerly of the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts in Loic Goyette and Raphael Messier. But the depth is lacking, and with Matthew Kondro currently in Red Deer, there are questions surrounding the goaltenders. The only thing I will never underestimate is the ability of head coach Eric Labrosse. The man won an MJHL championship with a middle of the pack team and gets the most of his lineup. He could be the difference maker for the Bobcats. 

For personal notes, I'm pumped to call a game in the brand new Cenovus Energy Hub, but a little worried about the set up. From what I've been told, the move into a new facility has not been smooth and it sounds like the broadcaster was forgot about in the build. That said, photos and videos of the place look amazing and I will enjoy getting a chance to wander around the new facility this weekend. Looking forward to releasing a couple of projects as well! Over the last week, I've been working on an AJHL Season Preview segment. This has come with some hiccups. Originally I was making it into a video, however, Zoom has created some issues and I was receiving audio only. That said, I will release that this week, potentially as a special episode on the Matt & Friends Podcast. It also sounds like we are bringing back the AJHL Roundtable. I'm looking forward to joining Camrose's Tim Ellis, Whitecourt's Wyatt Zieger and Bonnyville's Michael Menzies every two or three weeks, as we provide our insights on the league and how it unfolds. It's about time that the 62nd AJHL season begins. My only question, is it Friday yet?

Oil Barons Schedule This Week

Friday, September 19th @ Lloydminster 7pm

Saturday, September 20th @ Lloydminster 7pm

All games found on the MOB Radio Network